The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-03-11

with her. His grief for her was very
touching, but she seemed, thought, Inn
patient under it. She looked old, crushed,
brokenr'
Millicent turns aside but not before he
can see that the hot tears are running
down her cheeks.
"Poor womani" says he softly. And
then; "My darling, you are worn out
You have been thinking for every one
Let me now think for you You want
rest. Let me persuade you to lie down
for n little while"
at would be useless | could not sleep.
The very air is heavy with trouble. As
long as that man remains in the house
hardly know how any of us can breathe.
"That difficulty will be conquered in
few hours. lie will leave, of course, by
the early train.
81 suppose so. His poor mother"
"Millicenti Try to forget it all for
awhile at least. Think of something
else''- he pauses and looks at her en-
treatingly. could you not think Of
mes"
"If hadn't you TO think of | should go
mad, returns she, with sudden soft vehe-
mence. She holds out her hands to him.
"You are my one comfort" she whispers
brokenly.
They do not hear the door open, and in
deed she is still in his arms when Mrs.
Brands voice falls on their ears.
"Is this what you call taking little
rest'i" she asks, with deep reproach.
There is, however, no anger in her tones
he looks too sad too depres led for any
open demonstrations of annoyance.
"Mrs. Brand" says Mussareene, ad-
vancing eagerly toward her, ''you know
hay 10 ,,-it
must have known for long time. Now
that this unhappy affair has left her once
again her own mistress, do not refuse to
let me plead my cause"
Mrs. Brand has sunk into a chair.
"You are very persistent" she says,
tapping her fingers upon the table near.
"Because / am very much in love"
"And Millicent9'
81 dare to hope that she-has found
some room in her heart for me-"
"Let her speak for herself" says Mrs
Brand, with faint touch of impatience
"Well, Millicent, how is it with youP"
81 love him, auntie," says Miss Grey
demurely. ~ can't help that, can II
And-I wouldn't if l could He is not
rich, of course, but money isn't every
thing. l have been very dutiful up to
this. That you must allow"
She says nothing of the secret passages
between her and Massareene, and of the
determination lately come to, to defy
the world of relations for his sake.
"Once you chose for me"--
She pauses. Mrs. Brand sighs.
''That choice was not altogether
happy"
Still Mrs. Brand is silent
81 think perhaps if were to choose for
myself this time, it would be better"
At this her aunt rouses herself.
az had hoped to see you make great
alliance she says mournfully. "You,
with your fortune, and-and that unfortu-
nate young man, with his prospect Of an
thing is at an end. But still there would
be n brilliant future before you fl
~ shall not give up Gerald" says Mil
licent, drawing back from her somewhat
coldly. "You and Uncle Timothy can
leave your money to whom you will; l
shall certainly marry Gerald"
hlNssarecne, coming forward, takes her
hand and lifts it to his lips. There is
great warmth and gladness in the gaze
he directs at lIrs. Brand
Perhaps she gives it its value. So true,
so unnercenary "a love as this is not to be
despised in the money worshiping world
in which she moves.
"Of course, if you have quite made up
your mind,n she says with hesitation,
looking at Millicent There is something
new and beautiful in the girls face that
attra.ts her. Love has transfgured It'll
After all it may be best for her darling to
abjure ambition and cleave only to love.
"You will be good to her, GeraldF she
says in u low voice.
Massareene, who is looking grave, re-
CARDS her earnestly.
~ shall always love her." he says, "if
that is what you meanr'
"You give your consent, auntie?' asks
Millcent, kneeling on the carpet beside
her and encompassing her with her arms
"Yes. My meddlipg resulted in so dire
failure / dare not try it again. / am
glad you have chosen a man who, If poor,
is at least one who believe will make
you happy. One, too, whom | like and
esteem. Ali my dear to be able to re-
spect your husband is great matter.
Gerald see that she can always do that.
And as for your uncle Timothy, darling,
think shall be able to arrange him. "
She stoops forward and kisses Millicent
fondly.
''And now where am to goSn says the
poor woman in melancholy tone. II
left the morning room because | felt sure
that Duran wanted to come to an under
standing with Nadine, and now you two
lovers are wishing Newell, any where
out of this. ~
"Nonsensel We shall never wish for
your absence" " cries Millcent tenderly.
"Stay with us always, just as long as
ever you like, dear mother mine!"